About Ash

About Us

Founded in 2000, ASH is the brainchild of French shoe designer Patrick Ithier and Italian entrepreneur Leonello Calvani, two prominent figures in the footwear industry. With Ithier’s eye for design and Calvani’s business acumen, ASH was created. Featuring footwear at its core, ASH combines French flair with Italian-heritage design. Its impeccable craftsmanship and innovative creations have made it a leader and pioneer in the market.

Today, ASH has expanded its portfolio to include other categories such as men’s, ready-to-wear, handbags and accessories. ASH designs, manufactures and markets all product lines through an extensive network of over 600 point-of-sale and 200 brand stores.

Creatives

PATRICK ITHIERFOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

French-born Patrick Ithier is the brainchild behind ASH. Combining his background in sports fashion with an eye for innovative designs and impeccable craftsmanship, Ithier rose to international acclaim thanks to his world-famous trademark wedge sneakers. Since then he has established ASH as the go-to shoe brand for exceptional, original and comfortable creations.

Ithier has always had an interest in footwear and worked part-time at various shoe manufacturers and his father's shoe store. It wasn’t until his tenure at Charles Jourdan that he realised his true calling in life was designing shoes.

After meeting Italian entrepreneur Leonello Calvani, they both recognised a gap in the market for premium footwear. They created ASH for fashion-fearless men and women in search of tasteful yet practical products. In 2000 their first design was produced.

Following the incredible popularity of its women’s footwear, ASH soon added men’s and kids’ to its offerings and later ventured into handbags and accessories.

In 2015 Ithier entered new territory by launching the brand’s first ready-to-wear collection, ASH Studio Paris. A harmony of opposites inspired by urban environments, the collections combine the brand’s signature edgy glamour and boho spirit with a sense of playfulness.